The Family Affair: A Made in Savannah Cozy Mystery (Made in Savannah Cozy Mysteries Series Book 9) by Hope Callaghan (great books of all time .txt) 📕

theory to the authorities? Would they even believe her? They would have to believe her. Her main concern now was informing the authorities without implicating Vinnie.

“I don’t think we should wait, Ma. Tony and Shelby can take the deed, the backpack with the cash, the laptop and the pictures down to the station.”

Elvira brightened. “You want me to go with them? I was the one who saw the gambling room.”

“I don’t think that will be necessary. Once Tony and Shelby fill the authorities in, they’ll investigate,” Carlita said.

“I wouldn’t be so sure about that,” Mercedes said. “Maybe Pridgen greased some palms, too, and the local authorities already know about the illegal gambling at the Black Stallion.”

“True.” They walked Annie to her car and waited for her to leave before heading across the street.

“I appreciate your offer, Elvira, I really do. I’ll have Tony give the authorities your contact information in case they want to follow up,” Carlita said.

Elvira seemed disappointed.

“I’m sorry. If it’s any consolation, you’ve been a big help.”

“All I ask is if you end up in front of a news crew, could you please throw out the EC Investigative Services’ name a time or two?”

“I will. I promise.”

“I once read if you repeat something three times, people have a much better chance of remembering it, so if you could say it three times, it would be even better.”

Carlita chuckled. “Okay, Elvira. If I go to the station, and if I run into reporters, I’ll try to repeat EC Services’ name three times, but don’t get your hopes up. There’s a chance this story won’t even make the news.”

“Corrupt politicians,” Elvira mumbled.

Carlita was still smiling when Elvira entered her building and slammed the door shut.  “Some things never change.” She turned to her daughter. “Let’s track down Tony and Shelby.”

***

Violet stayed with Carlita at the apartment while Tony and Shelby gathered up the evidence and drove to the police station.

It seemed as if they were gone forever and the hands on the clock crawled.

Brittney and Vinnie arrived and began helping Carlita set the dinner table.

“Vinnie, could grab the silverware? I’m going to send Tony a quick text.” Carlita had just picked up her cell phone when she heard a muffled thump. The door flew open and Tony and Shelby stepped inside.

“Thank goodness,” Carlita hurried to the door. “I was getting worried.  How did it go?”

“Better than expected. We gave the authorities the proof that Robert owned the Harner Street property, I turned over the backpack with the laptop, showed them the bookie website and the envelope filled with the cash.”

Mercedes wandered over. “Did you tell them about the illegal gambling at the Black Stallion?”

Vinnie dropped the fork he was holding. “Who said there was illegal gambling at the Black Stallion?”

“Violet, why don’t you let Rambo out onto the deck?” Mercedes waited until the child was out of earshot.

“What about the killer?” Mercedes asked.

“I think they’re hot on the trail of Pridgen and Duce,” Tony said.

“What about the brother, Quinton?” Carlita asked.

“The authorities plan to question him, too,” Shelby said. “My personal opinion is that I think Quinton was in on the gambling ring, but that was the extent of his involvement. He knew about the money, but not about the property. The brothers had a strange relationship.”

“There’s also the illegal gambling operation in the back room of the Black Stallion,” Carlita pointed out.

“We tried to tell the authorities about that. They blew it off. I think the officials already know and are turning a blind eye,” Tony said.

“That’s wrong,” Mercedes said.

“It happens all of the time,” Vinnie spoke up. “You would be surprised.”

“Now that the unpleasantness is behind us,” Tony said as he turned to Brittney.  “Brittney, I don’t think you’ve met my girlfriend, Shelby.”

Shelby shyly extended her hand and Brittney took it, giving her a warm smile. “It’s so nice to meet you. Do you like to shop?”

Mercedes laughed. “Oh no. That’s a loaded question.”

Violet skipped back into the room and her mother helped her into her chair.

Carlita waited until everyone was seated before taking her place at the head of the table.

Despite Vinnie’s shocking news of his recent nuptials, and to a mafia boss’ daughter no less, she was happy for her son.

It appeared Tony and Shelby had overcome their first major crisis and were back on track.

Tony tapped the side of his glass with his fork.  “Shelby and I have an announcement.” He turned to Shelby. “Go ahead, show them.”

“Show us what?” Carlita asked.

Shelby held up her hand, revealing a glittering diamond engagement ring. “Tony proposed to me a few moments ago.”

“You did?” Carlita began jumping up and down.  “You’re engaged.  Oh my gosh.”

The table erupted in excited chatter as everyone congratulated the newly engaged couple.

“This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time,” Carlita gushed and then caught Vinnie’s eye. “Other than the wonderful news of Vinnie and Brittney’s marriage.”

Carlita admired the ring.  “It’s time to plan a wedding. Promise me you won’t run off and elope like your older brother.”

“Not a chance,” Tony grinned.  “We’re gonna do it up big.”

When the excitement over Tony and Shelby’s announcement died down and everyone began eating, Carlita paused to gaze at her loved ones seated at the table.

As far as she knew, Paulie and Gina were on solid ground. The only one left was Mercedes, who dated here and there. So far, she hadn’t shown a strong interest in any of the men she’d met.

Mercedes reached for another slice of crusty bread. “Don’t look at me like that Ma.”

“Like what?”

“Like you’re trying to find me a husband or something. I know that look.”

Tony snorted and Vinnie laughed.  “You know Ma would